THE CLAPPER RAIL Fall 2014The Clapper Rail

Volume 20, Number 1

Volume 24, No. 2 www.brooklynbirdclub.org

President's Message Rob Bate

In This Issue Lately, there have been some personnel changes in our local park and birding communities. The big news in Prospect Park is President's Message ...... 1 that the Prospect Park Alliance has a new President and Park Administrator. Sue Donoghue, former director of PlaNYC and In Memoriam: Jean Bourque ...... 2 the million trees program, is set to start work on October 6 th .

Let’s hope that the park’s wild areas and birds have a new ally Floyd Bennett Field ...... 3 when decisions are made that affect their well being, and that we IMBD 2014...... 7 in the Brooklyn Bird Club develop a strong working relationship with the new PPA President. The PPA has been without a Sparks! ...... 7 permanent leader since February, when Emily Lloyd stepped Saving Ridgewood Reservoir ...... 8 down to go work at NYC-DEP, and several policy decisions have been deferred pending a new administrator. Evening Programs ...... 10 Fall/Early Winter Field Trips ...... 11 More close to home there have been some changes to the board of the Brooklyn Bird Club itself. In an effort to bring in some of Reminders ...... 14 the new and active voices of our local birding community, the board has invited three BBC members to join them in the ong oing board planning and guidance activities. Congratulations to Monica Berger, Stanley Greenberg and Dennis Hrehowsik; they have all accepted and will be joining us at our fall 2014 meeting. The Brooklyn Bird Club

Dennis, besides being a ubiquitous birder in and around the a rea President: Rob Bate and a borough-famous finder of perched Nighthawks, is currently chairing the Speakers Committee, which invites and The Clapper Rail hosts incoming speakers for our monthly get-togethers. Stanley recently became the BBC’s “CommComm” representative at the Editorial: Monica Berger, Bobbi Manian, PPAlliance’s monthly meetings of representatives of community Tracy Meade, Ann Murray organizations. He will be the frequent face of the BBC there and Production: Janet Zinn will be the first to get to know the new President and PP Administrator. Monica has been a key part of the Clapper Rail committee since she stepped up to fill the breach created when © 2014 The Brooklyn Bird Club Peter Dorosh stepped down from most of his Brooklyn Bird Club duties a year and a half ago. Thanks to all and welcome new board members!

...... 1 Fall 2014

On a sad note, Mary Eyster has tendered her helpful dispensing information about birds, but resignation to the board because she plans on spending especially ecology and plant life. To everyone who a significant portion of the year at her new home in knew her, Jean was a joy to be with, particularly during Florida. Mary has been an integral part of the club for birding walks or encounters in the field. A truly gentle many years, helping with Christmas Counts, Birdathons spirit, Jean will be missed. as well as serving on the board. Don’t worry, Mary is not abandoning Brooklyn, and she will continue to help I first met Jean about 1978. It was my inaugural with the Christmas Count dinner to be held this year on Brooklyn Bird Club trip, now so long ago. Led by her December 20 th . Thanks for everything, Mary, and we renown club icon husband Ron, my birding trip to High hope you will let us know about the best birding spots Tor State Park was a memorable one. I was honored in Florida! that it was led by the Bourques. Jean was quite knowledgeable about not only birds but also flora and On a final note, and in order to involve the wider habitats; her knowledge of plants was extensive and membership in club activities, the board proposes to impressive. It was their generosity and kindness that hold short membership meetings in conjunction with made me—a hearing impaired teenager shy and the monthly speakers events starting with this fall’s apprehensive with public affairs back then—feel at first event, featuring our own Tom Stephenson, on ease. I felt comfortable that day, thanks to Jean and the September 22 nd . These meetings promise to be short other birders in that party. Jean even shared her lunch so as not to interfere with the main event. The events with me when I forgot mine (excusable because it was start at 7:00 PM and we’d like to convene the informal my first club trip and I had many things to learn yet). membership meeting at 6:45 PM and see how that Through the years, I would run into the Bourques at works out. This month’s meeting takes place at the birding sites and Jean was always there accompanying larger presentation room at the Brooklyn Public her husband Ron. She had conscientious loyalty and Library – the BBC@BPL. devotion to Ron, and it was always my great pleasure running into them. Most times it was at their favorite I would like to invite club members to contact me at preserve, Floyd Bennett Field. [email protected] or write the BBC at our address, [email protected] if you have any suggestions for possible club activities or any comments regarding the BBC or ongoing club activities.

Thanks for your part in sustaining a great bird club, and enjoy fall migration.

Rob Bate President

In Memoriam: Jean Bourque By Peter Dorosh She was a modest, quiet birder, and yet, she was a star in the annals of Brooklyn Bird Club history. Faithful birding companion and loving spouse to famed Jean, though quiet, had passion and resolve in her Brooklyn birder and nature activist Ron Bourque, Jean dedication to native habitats and birds as well as to her Bourque was one of a kind. Her passing this past spring native gardening projects. Through the many coastal left a void in Brooklyn birding circles and New York Brooklyn garden projects (mostly at her beloved Floyd City nature organizations: a marvelous birdwatcher Bennett Field or Marine Park) that the Bourques were and a strong conservation voice has left us. Among her involved with, Jean displayed feistiness in combating birding and gardening friends who knew her best, Jean non-native weeds to make her garden grow. She was humane, kind-hearted, gracious to all, and always instilled enthusiasm and inspiration in her endeavors, 2 ...... The Clapper Rail and she eagerly dispensed her knowledge to others Changes in Wildlife at Floyd Bennett Field over 20 who wanted to know more about nature, plants and Years with Emphasis on Birds gardens. Jean Bourque That same determination and passion applied to any 2250 Brigham St. Apt 3K task. As former editors of the Clapper Rail newsletter, Brooklyn NY 11229 my predecessors, the Bourques, put out the best [email protected] newsletters back in the late 1960’s. When I planned and created new trips for the club, on the day of his Floyd Bennett Field, New York City’s former municipal trip, leader Ron Bourque always had great support and airport, became part of Gateway National Recreation Area help from Jean, who was gifted with incredible vision in 1972. In the 30 odd years since then the Field has seen and acute intuition about birds. Jean was particularly great changes, and not for the better, from the point of good finding owls in wintertime. view of those who care about wildlife. Yet these changes reflect trends in our entire region. The same passion Jean showed surfaced again and In 1979, when I first came to know Floyd Bennett again during the Christmas Bird Counts, where Floyd Field, it gave an impression of being a place which had Bennett always came through with one or two owl been abandoned by people and where wildlife had taken species, oftentimes “save” birds, the only place having over. The Field was not then open to the general public the species in Kings County. It was, as I always except for special use permits, mostly for model airplane believed, because Jean was on the scene, coming flying and community gardening. People went directly to through with the great bird, especially those elusive, the place of their activities and remained there so that there was little traffic. Once in a great while a Park Service well-hidden owls. At every Christmas Bird Count vehicle would go by. Finding a Northern Harrier (Circus dinner, the Bourques were there. Jean was dedicated, cyaneus) nest was the reason for going there, and indeed as always, not missing the beat, loving—I’m sure— the Northern Harrier nest was found, but there was also a hearing Floyd Bennett in the limelight. Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) nest. Turning a corner

one would see an owl teetering along far down a runway, Personable, humble, modest, generous, kind, hunting in daylight. compassionate, sweet: these are just some of the One had an impression of tremendous open space, qualities that described Jean. For long-time birders, we and overhead the weather systems could be seen marching will remember Jean with great affection. But younger across the sky from one horizon to the other. In those days birders and those who never met her certainly would practically the whole Field was grassland. It seemed there have been blessed beneficiaries if they ever met Jean. was always an Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) She impressed everyone she met. Jean was a role model singing, and Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus who inspired all. Those are the traits I remember best. savannarum) were ticking and buzzing everywhere. Where I pay Jean Bourque a fitting tribute by offering you there was bare ground and sparse weeds, Horned Larks Jean’s own words for her beloved Floyd Bennett Field; (Eremophila alpestris) tinkled overhead. American you will hear her vibrant conservation voice in this Kestrels went by carrying food. Early in that spring, at 2007 article she wrote for the Linnaean Society of New places in the North 40, a sweet smell seemed to rise from York about birds, nature, ecology, plants and habitats. the ground, vegetation of some sort, I suppose. I never found out what it was. Requiescat in pace . What has brought about the change to the drab aspect Floyd Bennett Field presents now, with its endlessly The following article is reprinted with the permission of circling traffic and wildlife scarcely to be seen? Probably the Linnaean Society of New York. It appeared as a not even maintaining the entire field as airport habitat, chapter from their 2007 Transactions publication, which was once proposed, could have retained the “Natural History of New York City’s Parks and Great Gull grassland birds in the swelling sea of development which Island “ Vol. X. We extend our grateful thanks to the has overtaken New Jersey, where the migrants come from, Linnaean Society and President Angus Wilson. as well as Long Island.

Vegetation I believe no recent surveys have been done on the vegetation of Floyd Bennett Field. To casual observation it

...... 3 Fall 2014 is obvious that a large part of the Field, which comprises to be compared with the present. Casual observation 579 hectares, is now shrubland, with many trees. A suggests that there has been a general decrease. Cecropia comparatively small area, 52 hectares, has been (Hyalophora cecropia) cocoons used to be seen often as maintained as grassland, in the hope of retaining grassland well as Polyphemus (Anthera polyphemus) cocoons. Io birds. Airports, where grassland conditions are maintained, moth (Automeris io) caterpillars were once commonly are the last refuge of grassland birds as their habitat is seen, and skippers were on every patch of thistles. Even eliminated elsewhere. Species present at Floyd Bennett American Copper butterflies (Lycaena phlaeas), once very Field in 1979 were Upland Sandpipers (Bartramia abundant, have declined as has their host plant, Sheep longicauda), Eastern Meadowlarks, Horned Larks, Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), a plant which likes rather Grasshopper Sparrows, besides such open country birds as barren conditions. The yearly mowing must be harmful to Barn Owls (Tyto alba), Shorteared Owls, American insects, considering that most skippers use grasses as their Kestrels (Falco sparverius), and Ring-necked Pheasants host plants. Of course in the case of the silk moths, (Phasianus colchicus). These were breeding birds. Other Cecropia, Polyphemus, Io, it is known that from species might be seen Massachusetts through New Jersey and Pennsylvania in migration. native silk moths have declined. The culprit assumed to be In the 52 hectares reserved as grassland shrubs and responsible for this decline is the parasitic fly Compsilura woody vegetation were cleared during the winters from concinnata introduced from Europe to control gypsy 1985 to 1990. The whole grassland area has been mowed moths. (Yoon 2001). at least once a year since then, and a few experimental burns were done. (It is worth mentioning that according to Reptiles and Amphibians a study by Peter Vickery (Vickery et al. 1997), there is a Robert P. Cook, Wildlife Biologist for the National Park 50% chance of finding Upland Sandpipers in grassland of Service at Gateway for years, took a special interest in 200 hectares,, a 50% chance of finding Grasshopper amphibians and reptiles. When an area on Long Island was Sparrows in 100 hectares, and a 50% chance of finding about to be developed, he rescued as many of the Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) in 10 amphibians and reptiles as he could find and introduced hectares. Thus the grassland at Floyd Bennett Field is them to favorable habitats at Gateway. According to his scarcely adequate, although the birds were there at one records, Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) and time. Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) were Since the grassland was established, the vegetation originally at Floyd Bennett Field, before any introductions has changed greatly, in particular in the density of growth. occurred. Fowler’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii fowleri) was Litter from the yearly mowing has built up year after year. there but was wiped out when its habitat was altered. The There is no longer the bare ground among the grass clumps following species were successfully introduced: Fowler’s which some grassland birds, particularly Grasshopper Toad, Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), Grey Treefrog Sparrows, are attracted by. There are widely spreading (Hyla versicolor) and Northern Brown Snake (Storeria areas of a South African lovegrass, (Eragrostis curvula), dekayi dekayi). Probable successful introductions included which is a species said to have little value for birds (Bock Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum), Black and Bock 1988). Species of grasses have changed as many Racer (Coluber constrictor), eastern Painted Turtle grasses which normally flower in late summer are hindered (Chrysemys picta picta) and Eastern Box Turtle from sending up inflorescences by the yearly mowing, (Terrapene carolina carolina) (Cook, pers. comm.). In which begins the first of August. This makes those species, spring, Spring Peepers, Fowler’s Toads and Grey particularly little bluestem, less conspicuous and probably Treefrogs may all be heard calling at Returna-Gift Pond. less prevalent. Since experimental burns present great difficulties it is necessary to manage for species which Mammals tolerate, or prefer, dense vegetation, such as Savannah There are no recent studies on mammals at Floyd Bennett Sparrows, Meadowlarks, Bobolinks (Dolichonyx Field. A summary of early studies compiled by Robert orizivorus), or perhaps even Dickcissels (Spiza Cook (Cook 1987) listed the following species: Cottontail americana). (The last two are not yet known as breeding Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), Eastern Gray Squirrel birds). In the North 40, an area where natural processes are (Sciurus carolinensis), Meadow Vole (Microtus left unchecked, a plague of Asian Bittersweet (Celastrus pensylvanicus), Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), House orbiculatus) covers every tree and shrub. Mouse (Mus musculus), and Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus), besides feral cats and dogs. Raccoons Lepidoptera (Procyon lotor) were present but at that time were not Again, there are no data allowing insect life 20 years ago thought to be established as a breeding species. White- 4 ...... The Clapper Rail footed Mice (Peromyscus leucopus) have appeared since suitable for Meadowlarks, but this species, along with then and have increased and multiplied as the woody other grassland birds, has suffered a decline of 80%-90% habitat they prefer has increased. Raccoons and Opossums or more because of changing agricultural practices (Smith (Didelphis marsupialis) are now plague species. These 1991). For 40 years, farmers have been converting pastures animals are repeatedly introduced by exterminators who into alfalfa fields with new, fast-growing varieties that can trap them elsewhere and release them in parks in the city, be cut early and often. The date of first mowing has moved including Floyd Bennett Field. (This practice is illegal, of from about July 1 to June 1, the height of the nesting course. Transporting such animals from one place to season. The effect on the nests of grassland birds has been another creates the possibility of transporting rabies from disastrous (Thompson 1992, Paxton et al. 1984) one place to another.) The Raccoon population is thought Grasshopper Sparrows nested for the last time in Floyd to be many times that present in undisturbed natural areas Bennett Field in 1995. They do not care for dense and the effect of these predators on ground-nesting birds vegetation nor for dense ground litter, both of which now can be imagined. prevail in the grassland because of repeated mowing and the absence of fire. Birds A new grassland bird, the Savannah Sparrow, Floyd Bennett Field was never a birding hot spot but was made its appearance as a nester in 1989. Savannah visited mainly for certain specialties, grassland birds in the Sparrows like denser vegetation than do Grasshopper summer and raptors in the winter. Our greatest defeat is Sparrows and are more likely to be found in comparatively that most of the grassland birds are gone. Upland small grassland areas. This sparrow increased and for Sandpipers nested until 1978, then disappeared, except for some years maintained about 30 territories a season, but one eccentric pair which nested in 1992. Formerly there territories have recently declined to 10 or fewer. It may be was a thriving colony of nesting Upland Sandpipers at thought of as a common bird, but it is now classified as a Kennedy Airport (just across Jamaica Bay), where Sam threatened species in New Jersey. Chevalier banded the young every year. Having been sued Other birds that breed in the grassland are Ring- for the loss of an airplane engine destroyed by Canada necked Pheasants and American Black Ducks (Anas geese, Kennedy Airport has now taken stringent measures rubripes). In upstate New York, Ring-necked Pheasants to eliminate bird populations, all bird populations. Gulls are both stocked and hunted. When they have a Ring- over the airport are shot if they are not frightened away by necked Pheasant to report, editors of The Kingbird and the birds which the falconers fly there. Vegetation is also editors of Records of New Jersey Birds usually heavily doused with pesticides so that there will be no suggest that these are stocked birds. At Floyd Bennett insects available to attract birds. The Upland Sandpipers Field, without stocking or hunting, Ring-necked Pheasants are now gone. seemed to be doing well, but in the last five years have Short-eared Owls have not nested since 1981 and nearly disappeared. The species is not hunted here, nor is it they have also withdrawn from their breeding sites in New in competition with wild turkeys, sometimes suggested as Jersey and Long Island. There is one isolated report of a a cause of its decline. That leaves Raccoons as the prime pair with 4 juveniles on Tuckernuck Island, Massachusets, suspects. in 2005 (Petersen 2006), but Short-eared Owls have Other birds which formerly hunted in Floyd essentially disappeared from eastern North America (BBS Bennett Field, particularly over the grassland, were Barn trend Map 1966-2003). They are still doing well in some Owl and American Kestrel. Since Barn Owls are quite parts of the west. The Northern Harrier, although a nocturnal, they were not often seen hunting by visitors. threatened species, maintains a slender presence at Floyd They roosted in abandoned buildings and in the Pine Bennett Field and last nested successfully in 2000. Grove, where they were unfortunately much harassed by Why Northern Harriers should, as it seems, fare birders. Perhaps for that reason the Barn Owls now prefer better than Short-eared Owls is a bit of a mystery. to nest on the islands in Jamaica Bay, where they have nest Northern Harriers hunt the same prey (mostly Meadow boxes and more privacy. Voles) over the same terrain as Short-eared Owls, but by The American Kestrel presents a sad story. It last day, while the Short-earded Owls hunt by night. Horned nested in Floyd Bennett Field in 1992 but was known to be Larks are not recorded as nesting after 1992. There is declining long before that. It was on the National Audubon usually a flock of 30 or so birds in the winter on the Society Blue List in 1981 (Tate 1981). Since then there has runways or short grass areas, but they are gone by the been a long litany of alarm and mourning in the pages of nesting season. Eastern Meadowlarks bred at Floyd American Birds (covers the U.S.), The Kingbird (covers Bennett Field for the last time in 1988 but are usually still New York State), and Records of New Jersey Birds found on the Christmas Count. The habitat is still perfectly (covers New Jersey)...... 5 Fall 2014

American Kestrels posted their lowest total of the decade at some hawk watches and were mostly below last fall’s already dismal totals (Paxton et al. 1984)

American Kestrel continues to decline at most hawk watches, especially at Sandy Hook, where the 901 counted was the second lowest ever, and continues an almost unbroken downward trend from the high of 3138 in 1984 (Paxton et al. 1991)

American Kestrel numbers continue to slide that steep slope into oblivion (Vernachio1998)

Natural changes at the shore have nearly Observers in every part of the Region and most CBC obliterated the small patch of high marsh where the Sharp- compilers commented on the continuing decline of tailed Sparrows used to be, and they are not to be expected American Kestrel (Paxton et al. 1998) now. Besides loss of breeding birds some birds still present

may be reduced in numbers. A walk along the trails in the Nevertheless, in 2001 American Kestrels were North 40 in fall or winter will convince anyone who can reported breeding in all 5 counties of NYC, and in 2005 make the comparison that there are fewer sparrows than there were 7 breeding locations in Manhattan alone (Schiff there used to be. A hunting Sharp-shinned Hawk flying and Wollin 2001, Mitra, et al. 2005). They did not nest at ahead down the trail, once a common sight, would be Floyd Bennett Field. surprising now. As with most declining birds, there has been more It is obvious that most of the changes which have lamentation than study. Since the kestrel is largely taken place over the last 20 years have not been for the insectivorous, pesticides may appear to be the most likely better. All birders know the expectation that at any cause. The Avian Monitoring System lists a number of moment something marvelous may step out of the woods incidents of kestrel deaths caused by pesticides. Predation or drop down from the sky. That is why they are birding. by Peregrine Falcons and Cooper’s Hawks is possible, but That expectation is less likely to arise these days, in Floyd Kestrels have always coexisted with these birds. And Bennett Field as in many other places. Kestrels are not declining everywhere. The American

Kestrel BBS Trend Map (1966-2003) is a peculiar patchwork of areas where Kestrels are declining, References Avian Incident Monitoring System juxtaposed with areas where they are increasing. www.abcbirds.org/aims/action.cfm Visiting winter raptors at Floyd Bennett Field BBS Trend Map. 1966-2003. Web site http://www.mbr- include (or included) Rough-legged (Buteo lagopus), Red- pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/htm03/ trn2003/tr3600.htm shouldered (B. lineatus), Red-tailed (B. jamaicensis), Bock, C. E. and J. H. Bock. 1988. Grassland birds in Cooper’s (Accipiter cooperii), Sharp-shinned Hawks (A. Southeastern Arizona: Impacts of fire,grazing and alien striatus) and Merlins (Falco columbarius). Except for vegetation. In P. D. Goriup (ed.) Ecology and Rough-legged Hawks, which are a thing of the past, any of Conservation of Grassland Birds. ICBP Tech. Pub. no. 7. these birds might still be seen but are not as regular as they International Council for Bird Preservation Cambridge, used to be. UK.

Cook, R. P., compiler. 1987. Preliminary distributional list Breeding Bird Atlas Comparisons A comparison of breeding birds found at Floyd Bennett of the mammals of Gateway National Recreation Area, Field on the most recent Breeding Bird Atlas, 2000-2004 New York-New Jersey. Office of Resource Management with birds breeding there during the first Atlas, 1980-1985, and Compliance, Gateway National Recreation Area. shows these changes: Mitra, S.S. and Patricia J. Lindsay, regional editors. 2005. Birds lost as breeders Birds gained as breeders Region 10. The Kingbird 55. The first column shows breeding birds present in 1980- Paxton, R. O., W. J. Boyle and D. A. Cutler, regional 1985, but not found in 2000-2004. The second column eds.1984. Hudson-Delaware region. American Birds shows birds breeding in 2000-2004 which were not found 38:1004. in 1980-1985. Paxton, R. O., W. J. Boyle and D. A. Cutler, regional eds.1991. Hudson-Delaware region. American Birds 6 ...... The Clapper Rail

45:422 Paxton, R. O., W. J. Boyle and D. A. Cutler, regional eds.1998. Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 52:175. Petersen, Wayne R. 2006. North American Birds Vol. 59:572 Schiff, S. and A. Wollin eds. 2001. Region 10. The Kingbird 5:818. Smith, C. R. 1991. Partners in conservation. Living Bird Quarterly 10(2):16-20. Tate, J. Jr. 1981. The Blue List for 1981. American Birds 35:6 Thompson, C. D. 1992. SOS Saving our songbirds. Wisconsin Natural Resources 16(2). Vernachio, Brian. 1998. Region 3. In Records of New Jersey Birds , XXIV. Vickery, P. D., M. L. Hunter, Jr. and S. M. Melvin, 1997. Effect of habitat area on the distribution and abundance of Club members posing with the newly installed fence on grassland birds in Maine. In Grasslands of Northeastern the Peninsula, installed with money raised in this year's North America, P. D. Vickery and P. W. Dunwiddie eds. Birdathon. Massachusetts Audubon Society. Yoon, Carol K. 2001. New York Times March 6.

Sparks!

Eni Falci & Vinnie Falci International Migratory Bird Day & BBC Birdathon 2014 Vinnie and I have always been nature people long before birding became a passion. Vinnie has been The Brooklyn Bird Club participated in International climbing mountains since his twenties. While the hike Migratory Bird Day by holding a Birdathon on and the mountains were the thing; birds, if they were at Saturday, May 10, 2014. This year’s theme was hand, were noticed, whether it was a White-throated dedicated to habitat protection in Prospect Park. The Sparrow singing in the White Mountains or a Indigo conservation goal was to implement fencing along a Bunting or Scarlet Tanager right there at a scenic long-neglected portion of the Peninsula shoreline and overview stop in the Hudson Highlands. woodlands. Bitterns, Connecticut Warblers and other rarities have been seen in this area, and with fencing I've been a professional gardener working the we hope to see much more bird activity in the coming backyards of Brooklyn and the terraces of Manhattan years. for years. How could I not notice the birds when I was working in their domain? Whether it was a Eight teams participated in the event. Despite an Mockingbird diving at me because I got too close to its afternoon deluge that trapped several teams in their nestlings or a Hermit Thrush following me from flower cars in Greenwood Cemetery, a total of 129 species bed to flower bed. Sometimes I felt like the thrush was were seen during the day, of which 104 were seen in pointing and saying "dig here, let's see what you can Prospect Park. find for me.” The most memorable birds were the surprise of a drab warbler resting in a Tribeca terrace I In the final tally, the Timberdoodlers (Dennis had created and my encounter with Pale Male and his Hrehowsik, Kristin Costello, & Bobbi Manian) netted consort on Madison Avenue and 92nd Street. I was bent the most birds in Brooklyn overall with 119. The over a planter on the roof when I heard a call; looking Prospect Pittas (Keir Randall and Linda Lam) had the up there was Pale Male eye level with me hovering a most birds in Prospect Park with 92 species. Together, yard off the building edge in the air 42 floors above the all the teams and independent donors raised $3,245.00. ground. I watched as he and the other hawk called to The fencing was installed on August 18 th , so keep an each other and then perched on the summit of the high eye out during Fall migration. rise building where I was working. How could I not ...... 7 Fall 2014 stop and look at such a close encounter! We and others have stayed with Michele's walk long after we were past being beginner birders because we Our casual experiences with bird watching—pre enjoyed each other's company, and birding was social binoculars—continued when my family moved to as well as seeing good birds. Now we help lead the Florida. Delray Beach had many small wetland areas to walks and cover when Michele is unavailable. walk in and there were always birds. The housing Birders are generous. They want to share their birds, section my mom lived in had a retention pond with an and Brooklyn birders are the most giving of all in my island. Every evening we would take my mom for a opinion. I only work part-time, so I get into the Park by walk there to see the roosting "white birds." My dad myself during the week. I would be alone on a was buried in Florida and the cemetery is literally woodland trail and another person I did not know across the street from one of the best Everglade would come along. I would see the binoculars and there preserves. So after a graveside visit I would go across was instant trust and sharing. "Seen anything good," to the Loxahatchee Canal and walk the trails. This is the universal birder's salutation. Often I would ask can where I met the bird that probably converted me into I join you, more because I was a little uncomfortable an avid birder. Still no binoculars but the bird was right being alone in a remote area of the Park than hoping there. I watched in awe as this chicken-sized purple for good birds to be spotted with my new companions. bird carefully walked from lily pad to lily pad, foraging They always said yes and would help me get on the as he went. I could not believe what I was seeing—he birds. I was to learn later many of these people were was walking on water—how biblical! Oh yes, I later the best birders around. So, I would like to thank the learned it was a Purple Gallinule. generosity of Brooklyn birders like Scott Whittle and his four legged side kick, Tom Stephenson and the Robs About a year later Vinnie was recovering from a nasty Bate and Jett for letting a rank beginner tag along with abdominal surgery that was healing badly. We were them. taking a walk in the park and he ran out of steam right by the feeders set up on Breeze Hill. He was resting on It is great that Vinnie and I both enjoy birding equally a well-placed, large downed tree trunk when Michele and have complementary skills. Vinnie is great at Dreger and her bird walk came to the feeders. We went spotting birds and I can figure out what we are seeing. over and Michele gave us her classic intro: "Well, if Now that we are empty nesters and tuition dollars are you're interested in birding we lead a beginner's bird not being spent, we have time and resources to travel. walk starting at noon every Saturday. We meet up at Birding is usually a factor in choosing our destinations. the Audubon Center. Come join us." The next Saturday Our first overseas trip was to Costa Rica. It was not a we did. Vinnie was still healing so we would lag at the trip with a guide but with our copy of Richard end of the group with Valerie bringing up the rear— Garrigues' book and the skills we had learned with the that was us. Michele got to the top of Lookout and kept Brooklyn Bird Club. We got over 100 new birds, which going. Vinnie, who had struggled up there, said "I just more than satisfied us. got here, don't leave yet" so we lingered a while up top to catch some other birds.

We have been going on Michele's walks ever since. She Saving Ridgewood was great about making birding accessible. No Reservoir technical feather names just easy mnemonics for by Steve Nanz differentiating who was who. Michele also teaches about the behavior of birds, even the commonest, the Seven years ago, my wife, Heidi, fielded an email Robin. She turned us on to books like "How to be a Bad addressed to the Brooklyn Bird Club from Jennifer Birder" which emphasized enjoying common birds Monson who was the Artistic Director of iLAND- doing uncommon things. I loved that and still do. We interdisciplinary Laboratory for Art, Nature, and were also lucky that we started learning to bird with a Dance. She wanted to conduct a breeding bird survey of great group of people, whose company we enjoyed. the historic Ridgewood Reservoir, located on the Eddie was one of my favorites and he got my sense of Brooklyn/Queens border and decommissioned in humor. Ann was a yellow magnet; if there was a 1989, as a part of a project combining art and science. warbler around she found it. We would soon learn that through Mayor Bloomberg's

PlaNYC program, Queens Community Board 5's 8 ...... The Clapper Rail decades old request for a nature preserve had been comply with New York State DEC requirements. granted. The only problem was that only two of the Though not as devastating as the original plan, it would three basins which make up the Ridgewood Reservoir somehow still manage to destroy the same habitat we would be preserved, while the third basin would be had fought so hard to preserve. bulldozed and turned into a sports complex. Jennifer's project would raise awareness by bringing citizen The Reservoir had been listed by DEC as a dam with science and dance art together via bird survey and high hazard potential. As such, it would require dance performance at the reservoir. With this enormously expensive upkeep. Parks decided it would remarkable start, our journey to help save this habitat be best to have DEC reclassify it as low or no hazard. To began. establish the new low/no hazard classification, a plan was developed which called for two large breaches at Heidi invited birders in Brooklyn and Queens to help the north end between each of the three basins and a out with the survey. In the process we became involved third breach at the southwest end of the west basin. It with members of the local community. In the course of also called for the construction of a road from the south several meetings, the Ridgewood Reservoir/Highland west corner to the north east corner of the west basin Park Alliance (RRHPA) was formed, with Heidi as its as well as ramps going into the east and central basins. first president. Fellow Brooklyn birder, Rob Jett, who 470 trees would need to be cut down. The project helped with the survey, created the Save Ridgewood would cost taxpayers over $6 million. Reservoir blog, http://ridgewoodreservoir.blogspot.com/ , which he The high hazard classification itself was suspect. A has faithfully kept up to date since 2007, chronicling all storm greater than the annual rainfall (over three feet that has happened along with historical references, of precipitation!) would be required to pose a threat, documentation, links, species data, etc. He even created but even in that scenario it was unclear how, or why, a short history video which can be viewed at: that standard was applied. http://vimeo.com/12384349 RRHPA had submitted an application four years ago to The bird survey was done and this group of dedicated have the Reservoir mapped for wetland protection. We volunteers began an uphill battle to fight the city's were informed that DEC did not have the resources to plan. The effort paid off in 2008 with then city carry out mapping. DEC told us that it was their opinion comptroller, Bill Thompson, killing the sports facility that basin 3 contained no wetland habitat and would never be mapped as such. This opinion was not shared by certified wetland delineator, Mickey Cohen, who was hired by RRHPA in 2009. Nor was it shared by Round Mountain Ecological LLC, which was hired by Parks 2007 to prepare a preliminary assessment. The Parks own Natural Resources Group in 2005 and 2014 found wetlands in the southern end of Basin 3.

The current president of RRHPA, Gary Comorau, hired the law firm, Super Law Group. The lead attorney, Edan Rotenberg, expressed to RRHPA that with enough public support, we would have a shot of defeating the plan. We circulated a petition asking DEC to reconsider the hazard rating of the Reservoir while at the same time State Assembly Member, Catherine Nolan, sent a letter, co-signed by several other politicians, to Ridgewood reservoir, © Steve Nanz Governor Cuomo. part of the project. The plan to renovate the paths and And it worked! We surpassed our petition goal of 1000 fences was approved and all seemed well until last year signatures. DEC Commissioner, Joseph Martins, writing when the parks department unveiled the second phase on behalf of the Governor, essentially agreed. And not of its modified plan, which it claimed was needed to only did they pledge to take the steps to reclassify the ...... 9 Fall 2014

Reservoir, but they also committed to mapping for center/historic educational center and adding nature wetlands as early as this fall! paths inside the basins. We want Parks to use as much of those funds as is possible toward that end. We want Much work still needs to be done. DEC has not yet Parks to commit to permanently protecting Ridgewood made the reclassification, so we must stay vigilant. Reservoir. Also, we need to make sure that all three basins gets wetland protection. Additionally, we would like to see To all those people who helped with this fight, I want to DEC designate the Reservoir as a "Bird Conservation extend my thanks. This was truly a group effort Area" and add it to the New York Natural Heritage involving birders, environmentalists, local politicians, Program database of "significant natural communities" members of the local community, and even a group of and "habitats for rare and endangered plants crazy artists. and animals". Parks still has several million dollars left over from the original PlaNYC program, which we understand can only be used for the Reservoir, not to mention the millions we saved them by not having to comply with DEC regulations. In 2009, RRHPA created an alternate proposal for Parks to consider which included turning the pump-house into a nature

Fall Bird Club Meetings

Monday, September 22, 7:00 P.M.

How to Improve Your Bird Song Identification skills

Presenter: Tom Stephenson

NOTE: This program will take place Monday evening at the Brooklyn Public Library , Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza (718-230-2191)

There's nothing more satisfying in birding than being able to recognize the birds singing and calling around you. The language for describing visual ID points for birds greatly helps us identify the species of an unknown bird. The lack of this language for songs makes it very difficult to know how to figure out an unknown song.

In this talk we'll cover how to improve your song recognition and learning skills by using memory theory combined with the understanding of song and phrase structure. We'll also discuss an efficient language for describing vocalizations and give examples of how objective analysis of songs makes it much easier to separate similar-sounding species.

Tom Stephenson has been birding since he was a kid. His articles have appeared in many publications, including Birding, Birdwatcher's Digest, Handbook of the Birds of the World , and Guide to the Birds of SE Brazil . He has lectured and guided many groups across the US as well as in Asia, where he has trained guides for the government of Bhutan. In 2013, Princeton University Press published The Warbler Guide .

NOTE: October and November meetings are still in the planning stages. Please check our web page at http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/meetings.htm for updated information in the next weeks.

10 ...... The Clapper Rail

Fall 2014 Schedule

Information and Registration

No registration is required for Prospect Park or Green-Wood Cemetery trips. For all other trips, advance registration is required; exact location and time of meeting will be provided at time of registration. Car pool fees are required for some trips and should be paid directly to your driver.

In noting the need to make trip registrations more manageable and fair, the BBC council has imposed these guidelines: • • With the exception of Prospect Park and Green-wood Cemetery trips, a TWO-WEEK registration period will precede all trips.

• Club members will be given first-priority for all trips except Prospect and Green-wood Cemetery. Nonmembers and guests are welcome on BBC trips but only if there is available space at the end of the registration period. Drivers, whether members or not, will normally have priority over non-drivers. Full weekend (overnight) trips are reserved for members only.

• Children 14 years of age or younger are welcome on trips but must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

• Some trips have limited enrollment, at the discretion of the trip leader. So register early! In addition, most car trips require lunch, water, appropriate clothes for seasonal weather, and all the essentials you require for day trips.

• Please call registrars as early as possible within the registration period, and before 9 p.m. Please be sure to leave your phone number(s) so that we may contact you in the event of a schedule change.

• Status changes of a trip due to inclement weather will be posted on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynBirdClub and also on Peter Dorosh's blog: http://prospectsightings.blogspot.com/ Please check before leaving for the trip if the weather looks questionable.

We hope these guidelines will facilitate the registration process in the fairest possible way.

The registrar and information source for each trip is listed at the end of the trip description.

Prospect Park Bird 2-hour Sunday Walks: In addition to the trips listed below, the first Sunday of every month the Brooklyn Bird Club participates in the Prospect Park Audubon Center's "First Sunday" two-hour walks. All walks leave from the Prospect Park Audubon Center at the Boathouse at 8 a.m. (10 a.m. in January and February; check http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar to confirm times.)

...... 11 Fall 2014

Tuesday and Thursday Seasonal Prospect Park Walks

No registration is required for these weekly walks in Prospect Park during migration season. ( Note: due to possible scheduling conflicts, leader substitutions may be made for some dates.)

TUESDAYS: April 8th, April 15th, April 22nd, April 29th, May 6th, May 13th, May 20th

September 17th, 24th; October 1st, 8th, 15th.

Leader: Rob Bate. Meet at Bartel Pritchard Square park entrance at 7:30 a.m.

THURSDAYS: April 17th, April, 24th, May 1st, May 8th, May 15th, and May 22nd

August 21st, 28th, September 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

Leader: Tom Stephenson. Meet at the Stranahan Statue, Grand Army Plaza, at 7:15 a.m.

Saturday, September 27th, Brooklyn "Wildcard" Saturday, October 18th, Greenwood Leader: Keir Randall Cemetery Focus: Best birding activity cluster or rare birds Meet: 8 AM at main entrance 25th St. & 5th will be determined by the week's listserve Ave. reports for Brooklyn area Leader: Tom Preston Car fee: TBA by leader Note: nearest train line is "R" to 25th Street Registrar: Dennis Hrehowsik, email stop. [email protected] Registration period: Sept 16th - Sept 25th Saturday, October 25th Floyd Bennett

Field, Brooklyn Saturday, October 4th "Leader's Choice" Leader: Rob Jett Leader: Steve Nanz Focus: migration peak sparrows, raptors and Focus: Best birding activity cluster or rare birds grassland species will be determined by the week's listserve Car fee: $10.00 reports for Brooklyn area Registrar: Sandy Paci, email Car fee: TBA by leader [email protected] Registrar: Heidi Steiner-Nanz, email Registration period: Oct 14th - Oct 23rd [email protected] Registration period: Sept 23rd - Oct 2nd Friday, October 31st, Halloween walk in

Prospect Park Saturday, October 11th Marine Park's Meet: 1:00 PM at the picnic tables on Well Drive "Brooklyn" Sparrows near the Lake northwest shore (access Vanderbilt Meet: Grand Army Plaza #2/3 train stop at St park entrance) 7:00AM Leader : Bobbi Manian Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik, email Note: Closest subway is F line to Ft Hamilton [email protected] Parkway, back entrance ; or #68 bus

12 ...... The Clapper Rail

Location: http://tinyurl.com/meetBBCNov22 Saturday, November 1st, Birding on Nearest train IRT “Brooklyn College” station( last Brooklyn's Terminal Moraine ridge: Sunset stop) or B 41 bus. From here we take the Q 35 Park hawk watch and Greenwood Cemetery bus to the Fort Tilden stop, 1 st stop after the Meet 8 am at Greenwood Cemetery entrance at Marine Park Bridge (opposite the firehouse) 4th Avenue Resource: Leader: Peter Dorosh, 1-347-622-3559 (text http://web.mta.info/nyct/maps/busbkln.pdf message only) in case of wet weather

Focus: Hawk watching in this first ever BBC visit to Sunset Park at approximately11:00 after Saturday, December 6 th , Brooklyn Gull Tour Greenwood Cemetery early birding; migrants will Leader Dennis Hrehowsik be early winter species Focus: primarily gull species, waterfowl, raptor Note: bring a small chair. and winter passerines seen during tour Nearest train: "R" ,"D",or "N" line to 36th St, Car fee: $12.00 walk east www.hopstop.com Registrar: Mike Yuan, email (preferred) [email protected] Saturday, November 8 th , Jones Beach, Long Registration Period : Nov 25 th – Dec 4 th Island Leader: Joe Giunta Saturday, December 13 th , Ducks of Kings Focus: Coastal winter birds and waterfowl, gulls, raptors County Leader: Peter Dorosh Car fee: $25.00 Focus: primarily duck species, along with other Registrar: Jerry Layton email [email protected] (preferred) or home bird species phone 718-788-0286 (before 8 pm) Car pool: $12.00 th th Registrar: Peter Dorosh, Email Registration Period : Oct 23 – Nov 6 [email protected] or TEXT Message 347-622-

3559 th Sunday, November 16 , Plumb Beach Registration Period: Dec 2 nd - Dec 11 th region, Brooklyn coast Leader: Bobbi Manian Saturday, December 20 th , 115 th Christmas Focus: Coastal birds and waterfowl, gulls, Bird Census raptors Car fee: $10.00 http://conservation.audubon.org/programs/chris Registrar: Dennis Hrehowsik, email tmas-bird-count Teams Coordinator: Mary Eyster, email [email protected] th th [email protected] Registration Period : Nov 4 – Nov 13 Compiler: Rick Cech, Assisted by Paul Keim Comments: Teams Coordinator Mary Eyster Saturday, November 22 nd , The great assigns trip leaders and participants, assimilating marathon birding hike of western Rockaway teams and establishing starting points with team Leader: Peter Dorosh leaders. Please email as early as possible for Focus: Coastal birds and waterfowl, gulls, participation in this great event. Time is needed raptors, winter passerines to plan and figure out the details. Itinerary: This long beach hike will cover Riis The count dinner is held at the Prospect Park Park, heading west along the coastal dunes and Audubon Center (Boathouse). Help and beach through Fort Tilden to the Breezy Point tip assistance is needed for dinner setup. The and back. Approximate walking distance is 9 coordinator is Heidi Steiner-Nanz, email miles round trip . Wear good shoes, bring light [email protected] to get details. scope and lunch. For folks in good condition, steady gait. Registrar: Peter Dorosh, 347-622-3559 text Thursday, January 1 st, 2015, A Birdy New only Year’s Day Celebration in Prospect Park Meet 8 am at Hillel Place and Flatbush Ave corner. Leader: Peter Dorosh Meet at Bartel Pritchard Square park entrance at 9 am...... 13 Fall 2014

February 14 th -15 th , Overnight Weekend: Saturday, January 3 rd , A Coney Island Montauk Point and East End, Long Island Winter Trek Leader: Rob Bate Leader: Mike Yuan, email [email protected] Focus: Winter birds of various habitats, Focus: coastal species, waterbirds, gulls waterfowl and winter flocks No registration : Meet 8 am at Dunkin Donuts Car fee: $100.00 outside Stillwell Ave subway terminus station Registrar: Bobbi Manian email [email protected] Registration period: Jan 2 nd - Feb 5 th Saturday, January 10 th , Jones Beach, Long Island Leader: Steve Nanz Focus: Coastal winter birds and waterfowl, gulls, Renew your membership now for raptors 2015! Car fee: $25.00 Registrar: Heidi Steiner-Nanz email Memberships are up for renewal December 31st. [email protected] or call before 8 pm If you are up for renewal, why not send your 718- 369-2116 payment now before the holiday rush, and avoid Registration Period: Dec 30th -Jan 8th Mar 4 - those bugging renewal notices? Any payment Mar 13 received from now on will extend your membership to December 2015. Remember too, Saturday January 17th, The NY State you can now pay via Paypal! Waterfowl count You can renew online via this page: http://www.nybirds.org/ProjWaterfowl.htm http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/join.htm For more information at end of this year, 2014, contact Region 10 (Long Island) Coordinator: Please indicate "renewal" in the special Ron Bourque, email [email protected] instructions box. Focus: water birds and ducks survey of Brooklyn and western Queens locations Contact for team setup: Peter Dorosh, Email [email protected] or TEXT Message 347-622- 3559

Reminders! Saturday, January 24 th , Norton Point Sea watch (Seagate, Coney Island) Leader: Rob Jett Focus: coastal species, waterbirds, gulls • Check out our Brooklyn Bird Club shop on Registrar: Janet Schumacher, email CafePress for great gifts for your Brooklyn [email protected] or cell: 718-594-7480 birding pals. Note: distance to Norton Pt from Stillwell Ave http://www.cafepress.com/brooklynbird terminus subway hub is about 1 ½ miles; limit 15 registrants • Have an interesting story related to birding? We are always looking for Saturday, January 31 st , New Jersey Winter contributions for The Clapper Rail . Trip Tour reports, book reviews, essays, ID tips— Leader: Rick Wright we'd love to hear what you have to say. Car fee: $35.00 Please send submissions to Registrar: Sandy Paci, email [email protected] [email protected] or cell # 347-834-5881 Registration period: Jan 20 th – Jan 29 th

14 ......